Japan Allocates Rs. 2.08 Billion Grant to Boost Sri Lanka Navy’s Maritime Security Operations
November 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s maritime defence capabilities are set to receive a major upgrade following Japan’s decision to extend grant assistance worth Japanese Yen 1 billion, approximately Rs. 2.08 billion, to the Sri Lanka Navy under its 2026 Official Security Assistance (OSA) Programme.
The funding is intended to strengthen the Navy’s ability to monitor the country’s territorial waters, improve coastal security and respond more effectively to emerging maritime threats in the Indian Ocean region.
The formal agreement was sealed through an Exchange of Notes signed on Tuesday (10) by Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka ISOMATA Akio and Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, representing their respective governments.
As part of the arrangement, Japan will provide 25 rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) to the Sri Lanka Navy. These vessels will be distributed among the Northern, Eastern, North Western, Western and Southern Naval Commands, expanding the Navy’s operational reach along the country’s extensive coastline.
The high-speed boats are expected to strengthen coastal patrols, improve maritime surveillance and support law enforcement operations, particularly in areas where rapid deployment and interception capabilities are essential.
The assistance comes at a time when maritime security in the Indian Ocean is becoming increasingly important, with regional waters facing a range of challenges, including illegal activities, unauthorised maritime movements and other non-traditional security threats.
The additional vessels are expected to improve the Navy’s ability to detect and respond to suspicious activities at sea, while strengthening its capacity to protect Sri Lanka’s maritime interests.
Apart from conventional security operations, the boats will also be useful during humanitarian emergencies, search-and-rescue missions and disaster response activities, particularly when coastal communities are affected by natural disasters.
Japan’s latest contribution builds on its continuing security cooperation with Sri Lanka. Under the 2025 OSA programme, Tokyo provided a separate grant worth Japanese Yen 500 million to support the procurement of long-range and short-range drones for the Sri Lanka Navy.
The latest package further demonstrates Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s maritime security infrastructure and enhancing regional stability through practical defence cooperation.
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